The NFL schedule has been a much-discussed matter among teams, players, and owners over the past few seasons since going from 16-to-17 games, with the looming possibility of seeing an 18-game schedule.
During a Tuesday interview with 98.5 The Hub in Boston, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft continued to push for an 18-game schedule, swapping out one preseason game for an additional regular season game.
“I want to tell you guys, we’re going to push like the Dickens now to make international more important with us,” Kraft said. “Every team will go to 18 (regular season games) and two (preseason games) and eliminate one of the preseason games. Every team ever year will play one game overseas.”
The discussion of an 18-game and its increasing possibility dates back to early 2025 when the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) was against the idea. Yet, NFL owners, along with commissioner Roger Goodell have continued to make it a major talking point in collective bargaining agreements and may become a major discussion this offseason.
After playing a league record seven games overseas this past season, with an increase coming next season including a trip to Australia for the first time.
In September of 2025, Goodell discussed how the NFL needed to increase its global presence.
“In today’s world, we have to be global,” Goodell said. “Every time we play an international game, fans say they want more. I really, truly believe our game can and will be global. Our job is to share our game with the rest of the world.”